Support Groups

Every New Scam Victim Needs To Understand What To Do Next!

Every New Scam Victim Needs to Understand What to Do Next! Your Action Plan After Becoming a Scam Victim to Stop the Damage! Understand this: everyone can be scammed, and everyone will be scammed Key Topics: Stop the Bleeding Protecting Your Accounts Mitigate the Scam Damage Protect Yourself for the Future Don’t Get Blindsided as a Scam Victim Your Action Plan After Becoming a Scam Victim to Stop the Damage! First, understand this: everyone can be scammed, and everyone will be scammed – you will become a scam victim at some point! How well you plan and prepare for it will determine how bad it becomes. There are more than 49 million scam victims in the United States alone (as of 2023), and an estimated 100 million worldwide. None of them planned on becoming a victim either, but it happened. Within the next couple of years, every American adult will be the victim of a scam at least once, and sometimes many times. Becoming A Scam Victim Becoming a scam victim can be an emotionally and financially devastating experience. Discovering you’ve fallen victim to a scam is a disheartening and stressful experience, but swift action can help mitigate its impact and prevent further damage. Understanding what steps to take immediately after discovering a scam is crucial in minimizing losses and protecting yourself from future threats. Scam Victim – Where to Begin? The shock, anger, and fear can feel overwhelming, but amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to take swift action to minimize the damage and prevent further harm. Here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating the aftermath of a scam. Stop the Bleeding: Change Your Passwords Immediately: Update your login credentials for every account potentially compromised, including email, bank accounts, social media, and online shopping platforms. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and enable two/multi-factor authentication. Stop All Transactions: Immediately cease any further transactions, communication, or engagement with the scammer. Freeze or close any compromised accounts. Cut Off All Contact: Immediately cease all communication with the scammer, regardless of their pleas or threats. Block their numbers, emails, and Read More ...

How Scam Victims Can Maximize Support Groups Benefits

How Scam Victims Can Maximize Support Groups Benefits Staying Focused on Getting the Most from Support Groups makes the difference for New Scam Victims Avoid Support Groups that focus on hostility Key Topics: Choosing the Right Support Provider Factors to Consider Credentials to Look For Getting the Most from the Support Group You Choose Helping Traumatized Scam Victims Better Understand what they need to do to get the Maximum Benefit from Professionally Managed Support Groups  Recovering from a scam can be a daunting journey fraught with emotional turmoil and uncertainty, especially in the beginning for scam victims. Everywhere they look, scam victims see thousands of anti-scam groups on social media, all claiming to be experts. Sadly, they simply are not. A. Choosing the Right Support Provider Finding the right support provider is critical for scam victims on their journey to recovery. With countless options available, selecting a provider that meets individual needs and offers credible support is essential. This will help scam victims explore key factors scam victims should consider when choosing a support provider and highlight the credentials to look for. Factors to Consider Specialization Seek support providers who specialize in assisting scam victims. These professionals need to possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals affected by scams and can offer tailored assistance. Experience Look for providers with a proven track record of helping scam victims. Experience equips support providers with insights, strategies, and resources to address various aspects of scam recovery effectively. For example, SCARS has had over 12,000 scam survivors successfully pass through its program. Optional For Scam Victims SCARS Recovery Program - Lessons Learned From Recovery Book - FREE PDF DOWNLOAD - available on shop.AgainstScams.org Credentials Confirm that the support provider has the certifications and credentials to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise. Credentials should include certifications in trauma-informed care and related areas and have psychologists on their team. Just saying you know about scams is not enough. Approach Consider the approach and methodology used by individual support Read More ...

SCARS 3 Steps For New Scam Victims 2024

SCARS 3 Steps For New Scam Victims 2024 A Guide for New Scam Victims - What to do to end the Scam Help to End the Scam and Begin Again Key Topics: STEP 1: Stop All Communications! STEP 2: Accept That You Were Scammed STEP 3: Focus Only On Yourself Are You A Scam Victim – Now What? This Is A Very Confusing Time For Scam Victims But We Have The Answers! Your scam has just ended and you will be in shock, confusion, fear, and anger. You will be unsure about what to do now. We have helped millions of scam victims, and we know that it comes down to THREE (3) BASIC STEPS. This is a guide to help new scam victims understand what to do first and how to proceed with recovery! First Thing You need to understand that this was not your fault, and you are not to blame. Do not feel ashamed of what happened. The scammers are professionals – yes scammers, there was more than one – they work in teams. They are expert manipulators, and you were not prepared. Time is important after you discover the scams – there is a limited window for the police to act to help recover your money, depending on how it was sent. Learn more here. Also, if it was a crypto-based scam, your local police can, in very many cases, trace the lost cryptocurrency and recover it. Act now! This is going to be hard, and most victims give up or give in to anger. But if you are willing to do what needs to be done, you can recover from this. Remember that the trauma from a relationship scam is very real and it will not simply go away – you will not just get over it – you will need help. Make sure you get it! When the time comes to talk with your family & friends, click here for how to do that correctly, so they will not blame you. Also, see our videos on our YouTube channel here. You will Read More ...

SCARS Support & Recovery Program For Scam Victims – 2024

SCARS Support & Recovery Program For Scam Victims Essential Professional Help for New Scam Victims Helping Scam Victims to overcome the Shame, Guilt, and Self-Blam that comes from Relationship Scams Key Topics: SCARS 3-Step Support & Recovery Program Begin Processing the Grief and Understanding Trauma Rebuilding Self-Esteem and Trust Acceptance and Empowerment SCARS 3-Step Emotional Support & Recovery Program for Relationship Scam Victims This is a support & recovery program invented by SCARS based on over 100 years of recovery & psychological science. Please note the time scales are typical estimates. Each individual’s experience will vary based upon their own trauma and their commitment to their recovery. Step duration is fixed and a part of the program. When we refer to therapy or counseling, this is independent of SCARS itself. SCARS recommends that all scam victims find professional trauma counseling or therapy. SCARS is partnered with BetterHelp.com to provide initial therapy through its SCARS STAR Membership program – but this is not mandatory for access to our Support & Recovery Program. To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org  To find trauma counselors or therapists worldwide visit counseling.AgainstScams.org SCARS Emotional Support & Recovery Program STEP 1 The first 9 months – New Arrivers Crisis Support We have a special Step ZERO support group for scam victims who are experiencing too much trauma to adapt to our regular groups just yet. The focus in the Step Zero group is stabilization. Discovery and Crisis (3-8 Weeks +/-) Immediate Support: Crisis Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) Mental Health Professionals: Seek individual therapy or join a support group specifically for scam victims. Legal and Financial Aid: Consult lawyers and financial advisors to secure your finances and explore legal options. Confronting the Reality: Gather evidence and document the scam: This helps solidify the truth and prevent further engagement. Educate yourself about the tactics used by the criminals: Understanding the whole process of victimization, including manipulation techniques employed can empower victims and prevent future scams. Validate your emotions: Allow yourself to feel anger, sadness, and betrayal. Bottling them up Read More ...

Importance for Scam Victims to Join a Professionally Managed Support & Recovery Group

Importance for Scam Victims to Join a Professionally Managed Support & Recovery Group Competent Support Groups Allow Scams Victim to Focus on their Recovery & Healing Selecting the Right Support Group is Vital in Beginning the Process of Recovery Key Topics: Understanding the emotional impact Guided healing process Focusing on personal growth The Healing Power of Support: Why Scam Victims Should Join Professionally Managed Recovery Groups Introduction Falling victim to a scam can be a profoundly distressing experience, leaving individuals grappling with a myriad of emotions and challenges. In the aftermath, the importance of seeking support from professionally managed recovery groups, such as those operated by SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams), cannot be overstated. These professional and well-organized groups play a crucial role in guiding scam victims through the healing process, providing a structured environment that fosters recovery and prevents individuals from losing themselves in the aftermath of a scam. However, do not mistake social media groups focused on exposing scammers as support groups, they are not, their focus is on anger – something that can be harmful to new scam victims. Understanding the Emotional Impact Scams often involve sophisticated manipulation, leaving victims emotionally shattered. Shame, guilt, anger, and fear are just a few of the complex emotions that may arise. A professionally managed recovery group understands the unique emotional toll of scams, creating a safe space for victims to share their experiences without judgment. Preventing Isolation One of the common consequences of falling victim to a scam is the feeling of isolation. Scam victims may be hesitant to share their experience with friends and family, fearing judgment or blame. Professionally managed recovery groups provide a community of individuals who have faced similar ordeals, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. Optional For Family & Friends Of Scam Victims SCARS SLATE BOOK - A Guide For Families & Friends Of Scam Victims available on shop.AgainstScams.org Guided Healing Process Recovery from a scam is a multifaceted journey, encompassing emotional, psychological, and sometimes financial aspects. Professionally managed support groups, like Read More ...